07
Jul
Jul
SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN ANNOUNCES RETURN TO SENATE DESPITE ONGOING CONTROVERSY
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CapitalTimesNews / 6 days
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- 2 min read
Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has declared her intention to resume her legislative duties in the Senate on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court judgment that nullified her six-month suspension. The court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled that while the Senate has the power to suspend its members, the six-month duration imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan was excessive and denied her constituents their right to representation. In a video message shared on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude to her supporters, saying, “I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God.” However, the Senate has stated that it will await the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking any further steps regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement. The suspension stemmed from a controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing him of sexual harassment. The court also fined her ₦5 million for violating a previous order by publishing a satirical apology to Akpabio on her Facebook page. Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the judgment as a victory, emphasizing her commitment to representing her constituents. The Senate’s spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that the upper chamber is yet to be served with the CTC of the judgment, adding that no party can enforce any perceived order or relief without it. “Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” Adaramodu said.
